Dec 23 Coronavirus Overdose Deaths Hit New Highs As Pandemic Worsens Opioid Crisis New federal data shows the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to the country’s deadliest 12-month period for drug overdose fatalities, including a sharp increase in overdose deaths in the Ohio Valley. According to the latest data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 81,000 people died due to drug overdoses in the 12 […] By Suhail Bhat Dec 23 Coronavirus Overdose Deaths Hit New Highs As Pandemic Worsens Opioid Crisis Suhail Bhat
Dec 21 Health Watchdog Report Finds Over-Prescription Of Opioids For Some Medicaid Patients A report from a federal oversight agency shows that over 4,000 patients in the Ohio Valley received high amounts of opioids in 2018 through Medicaid, potentially putting hundreds at risk of addiction and overdose. The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services focused the report on six Appalachian states in […] By Alana Watson Dec 21 Health Watchdog Report Finds Over-Prescription Of Opioids For Some Medicaid Patients Alana Watson
Jul 2 Health Overdose Incidents Rose Sharply Around Ohio Valley During Pandemic Emergency response data from across the Ohio Valley show sharp increases in suspected drug overdoses since March, when health measures including school and business closures and stay-at-home orders increased social isolation. For public health officials, it’s a grim reminder that another epidemic is ongoing and possibly worsening during the isolation associated with the coronavirus pandemic. […] By Aaron Payne Jul 2 Health Overdose Incidents Rose Sharply Around Ohio Valley During Pandemic Aaron Payne
Mar 30 Health Exchange of Ideas: How A Rural Kentucky County Overcame Fear To Adopt A Needle Exchange Greg Lee, Kentucky’s HIV/AIDS educator, starts the town hall on a somber note. “How many people in this room know someone who has died of an overdose death?” It is a standing-room only crowd. Most hands go up. “Amazing,” he says, sadly. The meeting is at the Bourbon County Public Health Department, just next to […] By Mary Meehan Mar 30 Health Exchange of Ideas: How A Rural Kentucky County Overcame Fear To Adopt A Needle Exchange Mary Meehan
Aug 4 Health Data Fix: Cities Seek Better Information On Opioid Epidemic Paramedics and police are already in the hotel room when Kyle Simpson walks in. “What happened?” he asks. A 37-year-old man in the room is barely conscious–just revived by the overdose reversal medication NARCAN. Law enforcement officers survey the scene. They’ve found more heroin “rocks” on a table. One officer interviews a crying woman who […] By Aaron Payne Aug 4 Health Data Fix: Cities Seek Better Information On Opioid Epidemic Aaron Payne
Oct 7 Health Naloxone Timeline By Alexandra Kanik and Aaron Payne Oct 7 Health Naloxone Timeline Alexandra Kanik and Aaron Payne